U.S. launches mother to child HIV prevention initiative in Lagos

During the programme launch, the U.S. reiterated its goal to strengthen local health systems in Nigeria.

HILLARY ESSIEN • November 23, 2021

United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Team with Lagos State Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a health initiative targeted at preventing the spread of HIV from mother to child in Lagos.

A statement from the consulate in Lagos on Tuesday states that the community Prevention of Mother to Child HIV Transmission (cPMTCT) program will be carried out by the U.S.- CDC’s implementing partner, Center for Integrated Health Programs (CIHP).

“The CDC and the U.S. Government is ready to partner with Lagos State to strengthen the health systems to respond to disease-related threats.

“Therefore, there is a need to continue building and sustaining structures and systems that promote sustainability,” CDC Country Director, Mary Adetinuke Boyd, said at the programme’s launch in Lagos.

In her address, Ms Boyd reiterated the U.S. Mission’s goal of strengthening local health systems in Nigeria to respond to disease-related threats.

Ms Boyd noted the urgency in reaching all HIV-positive pregnant women with treatment services to prevent further transmission of the virus from mothers to children.

She added that the services should be provided in conventional health facilities, local communities, and other unconventional settings where women seek healthcare services.

Ms Boyd applauded the Lagos state government for prioritising the health of its residents, notably the provision of HIV test kits, waiving of user fees, and release of funds which have gone to supporting the prevention of HIV between mother and child.

(From left): U.S. CDC Country Director, Dr. Mary Adetinuke Boyd; Medical Officer, Health Palm Avenue Primary Healthcare, Dr. Wale Akeredolu; and Chairman of Mushin Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Olanrewaju Bamgboye during the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Bamgboye in Lagos.

Ms Boyd praised Lagos state’s COVID-19 response, high routine immunisation rate, and remarkable progress in HIV treatment surge and advocated removal of other barriers hindering people living with HIV from accessing health services.

“The relationship between Lagos State, CDC, and its implementing partner, CIHP has been impactful. CDC will continue to support Lagos state through this partnership with the community in improving health outcomes,” Ms Boyd added.

The new programme aims to work with community-level health centers, community-based midwives, traditional birth attendants, and other non-conventional healthcare providers, in addition to reaching pregnant women at various hospitals.

This way, HIV services would be more accessible to pregnant women at the grassroot level.

The cPMTCT programme will also include enhanced documentation of HIV-positive pregnant women receiving antiretroviral treatment.

This is to close the current gaps in prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV.

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